retaining ring

Abstract

Retaining ring (1) with a base body (2) which is annular except for an opening (3) interrupting it, wherein • the opening (3) interrupting the ring shape is delimited on a first side by an end face (4) of a first end (5) of the base body (2) and on a second side opposite the first side by an end face (6) of a second end (7) of the base body (2) and • a mounting hole (8) is provided in the first end (5) and a mounting hole (9) is provided in the second end (7), characterized in that at least one closed pocket (10) is provided in the base body (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a retaining ring with a base body that is annular except for an opening interrupting it. Furthermore, the invention relates to a shaft with a circumferential groove. Furthermore, the invention relates to a component with a bore and a circumferential groove within the bore.

[0002] Retaining rings are known from the standards DIN 471 for shaft grooves and DIN 472 for bore grooves. These standards show that the retaining ring is designed with a base body that is annular except for an opening interrupting it. The opening interrupting the annular shape is defined on a first side by an end face of a first end of the base body and on a second side, opposite the first side, by an end face of a second end of the base body.

[0003] A retaining ring can be designed as a snap ring. In such a case, there is usually no mounting hole provided in the first end, nor is there a mounting hole provided in the second end. In other embodiments, the retaining ring is designed so that there is a mounting hole provided in the first end and a mounting hole provided in the second end. The mounting holes can be used to install the ring using special pliers.

[0004] US 4,183,280 discloses a retaining ring having a base body which is annular except for an opening interrupting it. The opening interrupting the annular shape is delimited on a first side by an end face of a first end of the base body and on a second side, opposite the first side, by an end face of a second end of the base body. A mounting hole is provided in the first end and a mounting hole is provided in the second end. In the retaining ring known from US 4,183,280, a plurality of open pockets are provided on the inner edge of the base body. A comparable retaining ring is known from EP 0 019 361 A1. There, open pockets are even provided on the outer edge of the base body.

[0005] The disadvantage of the retaining rings known from US 4,183,280 and EP 0 019 361 A1 is that they are complex to manufacture.

[0006] Against this background, the invention was based on the task of creating a retaining ring that is easier to manufacture.

[0007] This object is achieved by the retaining ring according to claim 1 and the retaining ring according to claim 2 as well as by the shaft according to claim 10 or the component according to claim 11 or the use according to claim 12. Advantageous embodiments are set out in the subclaims and the description below.

[0008] The invention is based on the basic idea of ​​equipping the base body with at least one closed pocket.

[0009] The invention thus makes it possible to produce retaining rings that have a consistent cross-section on the inner and outer surfaces of the base body. It creates the possibility of preserving the natural edge of the pipe material, where the natural edge of the pipe material is understood to mean, for example, the outer surface of a wire used to manufacture the retaining ring. Furthermore, the invention makes it possible to design retaining rings that have no cracks or notches on the inner and / or outer edges of the ring. The retaining ring according to the invention has a higher stress crack tolerance. The invention makes it possible to use a special design of an embodiment of the invention, once it has been proven advantageous, both for retaining rings for shaft grooves and for retaining rings for bore grooves.

[0010] In the following description, the term "pocket" refers to the closed pocket provided in the base body according to the invention, or to one of the closed pockets provided in the base body. Where the term "pocket" is used below, it refers to a closed pocket. Should preferred embodiments provide open pockets in addition to the (closed) pockets, these will be explicitly referred to as "open pockets" in the following description.

[0011] The retaining ring according to the invention has a base body which is annular except for an opening interrupting it. In a preferred embodiment, the base body has a rectangular cross-section at least in one radially extending plane, preferably in many radially extending planes, particularly preferably in the majority of the radially extending planes and very particularly preferably in all radially extending planes that intersect the base body. In a preferred embodiment, the base body has a round cross-section at least in one radially extending plane, preferably in many radially extending planes, particularly preferably in the majority of the radially extending planes and very particularly preferably in all radially extending planes that intersect the base body.In a preferred embodiment, the base body has a polygonal cross-section at least in one radially extending plane, preferably in many radially extending planes, particularly preferably in the majority of the radially extending planes and very particularly preferably in all radially extending planes that intersect the base body.

[0012] A radial plane is understood to be a plane that intersects the base body and is perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the base body, which the base body has in this intersection area. A mathematical plane has an infinite extension. Therefore, a mathematical plane would regularly intersect the base body twice (namely, wherever the mathematical plane does not pass through the opening). To avoid misunderstandings, the term "radial plane" in this description refers only to the part of a mathematical plane that extends away from the center of the base body and thus only once through the base body.

[0013] The centre point of a retaining ring is understood to be that centre point in the case of a retaining ring in which the “remaining area” is understood to be the part of the base body which connects the first end to the second end, and in which the outer edge of the remaining area is (partially) circular around a centre point and the inner edge of the remaining area is (partially) circular around the same centre point.

[0014] The centre point of a retaining ring is understood to be the centre point of the retaining ring around which the outer edge is (partially) circular in shape, in the case of a retaining ring in which the "remaining area" is understood to be the part of the base body which connects the first end to the second end, and in which the outer edge of the remaining area is (partially) circular around a centre point, but the inner edge of the remaining area is not continuously (partially) circular around the same centre point; these rings are usually bore rings (rings for bore grooves).

[0015] The centre point of a retaining ring is understood to be the centre point of the retaining ring around which the inner edge is (partially) circular in shape, in the case of a retaining ring in which the "remaining area" is understood to be the part of the base body which connects the first end to the second end, and in which the inner edge of the remaining area is (partially) circular around a centre point, but the outer edge of the remaining area is not continuously (partially) circular around the same centre point; these rings are usually shaft rings (rings for grooves on shafts).

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the base body has, at least in one radially extending plane, preferably in many radially extending planes, particularly preferably in the majority of the radially extending planes and very particularly preferably in all radially extending planes that intersect the base body, a radial width that is greater than the respective thickness of the base body in the same plane.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the radial width of the base body at the first end of the base body and / or the radial width of the base body at the second end of the base body is different from the radial width that the base body has in at least one radial plane in its remaining region, wherein the remaining region of the base body is understood to be the part of the base body that connects the first end to the second end. In a preferred embodiment, the radial width of the base body at the first end of the base body and / or the radial width of the base body at the second end of the base body is greater than the radial width that the base body has in at least one radial plane in its remaining region.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the radial width of the base body is the same in a plurality, preferably in a majority, preferably in all radial planes that intersect the base body in the remaining area.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the radial width of the first end of the base body is the same in a plurality, preferably in a majority, preferably in all radial planes that intersect the base body at the first end. Preferably, a step is provided between the first end and the remaining region of the base body. In a preferred embodiment, the radial width of the second end of the base body is the same in a plurality, preferably in a majority, preferably in all radial planes that intersect the base body at the second end. Preferably, a step is provided between the second end and the remaining region of the base body.

[0020] Furthermore, embodiments are possible in which the radial width of the base body is the same in all radial planes that intersect the base body and is thus also the same in the region of the first end and the second end as the radial width in the remaining region of the base body.

[0021] The description of the retaining ring according to the invention refers to the unstressed state of the retaining ring. The invention describes a retaining ring in the unstressed state.

[0022] The opening interrupting the ring shape is delimited on a first side by an end face of a first end of the base body. In a preferred embodiment, the end face of the first end of the base body is a surface that runs in a plane, preferably a radial plane. However, embodiments are also possible in which a recess, for example a semicircular recess, is provided in the end face of the first end of the base body. The opening interrupting the ring shape is delimited on a second side by an end face of a second end of the base body. In a preferred embodiment, the end face of the second end of the base body is a surface that runs in a plane, preferably a radial plane. However, embodiments are also possible in which a recess, for example a semicircular recess, is provided in the end face of the second end of the base body.Such recesses in the ends of the base body are sometimes used in retaining rings instead of mounting holes that are made in the respective end of the base body.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the plane in which the end face of the first end is located runs at an angle to the plane in which the end face of the second end of the base body is located. In a preferred embodiment, the angle between the plane in which the end face of the first end is located and the plane in which the end face of the second end is located is less than 180°, particularly preferably less than 160°, particularly preferably less than 130°. In a preferred embodiment, the angle between the plane in which the end face of the first end is located and the plane in which the end face of the second end is located is greater than 5°, particularly preferably greater than 10°, particularly preferably greater than 20°.

[0024] In an alternative, likewise preferred embodiment, the plane in which the end face of the first end is located runs parallel to the plane in which the end face of the second end of the base body is located.

[0025] The invention can be applied to retaining rings in which a mounting hole is provided in the first end and a mounting hole is provided in the second end. The invention of this basic type of retaining ring is described in claim 1. However, the invention can also be applied to retaining rings in which no mounting hole is provided in the first end and no mounting hole is provided in the second end. This basic type of retaining ring is described in the independent claim 2. In a preferred embodiment, a mounting hole is provided in the first end, but not in the second end.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the respective mounting hole (insofar as it is provided in the respective embodiment) is designed as a round hole or as an elongated hole. In a preferred embodiment, all mounting holes that are present are of the same shape and / or size. However, embodiments are also conceivable in which an existing mounting hole is different in shape and / or size from another mounting hole.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the first end is designed with a projection that projects radially outwards (for example, for the shaft groove application) or radially inwards (for example, for the bore groove application) relative to the remaining area of ​​the base body. In a preferred embodiment, a mounting hole for the retaining ring is formed in this projection. In a preferred embodiment, the second end is designed with a projection that projects radially outwards (for example, for the shaft groove application) or radially inwards (for example, for the bore groove application) relative to the remaining area of ​​the base body. In a preferred embodiment, a mounting hole for the retaining ring is formed in this projection. A first end designed with a projection is often referred to in the industry as an "ear" or "tab".

[0028] According to the invention, at least one pocket is provided in the base body. In a preferred embodiment, the base body has only one pocket, or only pockets, but no open pockets, as are known, for example, from US Pat. No. 4,183,280 and EP 0 019 361 A1.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the base body has at least two pockets. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the base body has three pockets, particularly preferably at least three pockets.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the single pocket, if the base body has only a single pocket, or one of the multiple pockets provided in the base body is located in the area of ​​the base body opposite the opening. In a preferred embodiment, a pocket is arranged in the range between 125° and 235°, taking the center of the opening as the 0° position.

[0031] A pocket is defined as an opening in the base body. For retaining rings that already have mounting holes and thus openings, a pocket is an additional opening in addition to the mounting holes.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the retaining ring is designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane running centrally through the opening. A plane running centrally through the opening is understood to be a plane that runs perpendicular to a circumferential direction of the base body and that runs at an equal distance from the end surfaces delimiting the opening and through the opening.

[0033] Embodiments are possible in which the pockets are evenly distributed over the base body. A even distribution of the pockets over the base body is understood to mean a distribution in which the angle • between a radial line and a line passing through the center of a first pocket • and a line passing radially and through the center of a pocket adjacent to the first pocket is the same for each pairing of adjacent pockets in the base body.

[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the angle between the radial line running along the end surface of the first end of the base body and the radial line running through the center of the pocket adjacent to the first end is equal to the angle • between this radial line and through the center of the first pocket adjacent to the first end • and a line running radially through the center of the next pocket adjacent to the first pocket.

[0035] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the angle between the radial line running along the end surface of the second end of the base body and the radial line running through the center of the pocket adjacent to the second end is equal to the angle • between this radial line and the center of the last pocket adjacent to the second end • and a line running radially through the center of the penultimate pocket adjacent to the last pocket.

[0036] Embodiments are possible in which the pockets are distributed irregularly over the base body. An irregular distribution of the pockets over the base body is understood to mean a distribution in which at least for two pairs of adjacent pockets the angle • between a radial line and a line passing through the center of a first pocket • and a line passing radially through the center of a pocket adjacent to the first pocket, different from the angle • between a radial line and a line passing through the center of another pocket • and a line passing radially through the center of a pocket adjacent to the other pocket.

[0037] Embodiments are possible in which the pockets have a round, elliptical, or rectangular cross-section. However, in a preferred embodiment, the pockets are arcuate. In a preferred embodiment, the center of the arc along which the arcuate pocket runs is the center of the annular base body.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, a pocket has a first pocket end and a second pocket end located circumferentially opposite the first pocket end. In a preferred embodiment, the first pocket end and / or the second pocket end are formed by a boundary surface extending in a radial plane. In an alternative embodiment, the first pocket end and / or the second pocket end are semicircular, circular, or polygonal, for example, arrow-shaped.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, a pocket of the base body has an inner edge that delimits the pocket on the side closest to the center of the annular base body. In a preferred embodiment, the inner edge is curved. Particularly preferably, the inner edge is curved around the center of the annular base body.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, a pocket of the base body has an outer edge that delimits the pocket on the side farthest from the center of the annular base body. In a preferred embodiment, the outer edge is curved. Particularly preferably, the outer edge is curved around the center of the annular base body.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, a pocket of the base body has a maximum width, wherein the maximum width is understood to be the maximum distance in the radial direction between the inner edge and the outer edge of the pocket. In a preferred embodiment, the maximum width of the pocket is 50%, particularly preferably 60%, particularly preferably 70%, particularly preferably 80% of the radial width of the retaining ring at the location of the maximum width of the pocket.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the total area of ​​the pockets, which corresponds to the area of ​​the existing pocket if only one pocket is present, or corresponds to the sum of the areas of the existing pockets, corresponds to at least 10%, particularly preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, particularly preferably 40%, particularly preferably 50% of the total area of ​​the base body, wherein the total area of ​​the base body corresponds to the area delimited by the circumferential edge of the base body. The total area of ​​the base body is therefore the area delimited by the outer edge and the inner edge of the base body and any edges of the respective ends of the base body, without the area of ​​any mounting holes or the area of ​​any pockets being deducted from this area.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, one pocket is located between 10° and 90°, and one pocket is located between 350° and 270°, assuming the center of the opening is the 0° position. A pocket located closer to the end of a base body than the part of the base body opposite the opening helps improve the circularity of the retaining ring. An internal pocket located in the area of ​​the base body opposite the opening particularly aids the balancing of the retaining ring.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, none of the existing pockets are located in the range between 125° and 235°, assuming the center of the opening is the 0° position. Additionally or alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, no pocket is located in the range between 10° and 90° and / or in the range between 350° and 270°, assuming the center of the opening is the 0° position.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the outer edge of the base body runs continuously in the remaining region. In the remaining regions, particularly preferably, no projections are provided on the outer edge. In a preferred embodiment, the inner edge of the base body runs continuously in the remaining region. In the remaining regions, particularly preferably, no projections are provided on the inner edge.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, several of the existing pockets, particularly preferably the majority of the existing pockets, particularly preferably all of the existing pockets are of the same shape, wherein embodiments are conceivable in which the shape of a first pocket corresponds to the shape of a second pocket, but the first pocket is smaller in size than the second pocket. In a preferred embodiment, several of the existing pockets, particularly preferably the majority of the existing pockets, particularly preferably all of the pockets are of the same size, wherein this refers to the area occupied by the pocket; however, embodiments are also conceivable in which the pockets have the same size but differ in shape.In a particularly preferred embodiment, several of the existing pockets, particularly preferably the majority of the existing pockets, particularly preferably all of the existing pockets are of the same design both in terms of their size and their shape.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the outer edge of the base body is partially circular and has a diameter of more than 55 mm, preferably more than 100 mm, particularly preferably more than 250 mm, and most preferably more than 400 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the inner edge of the base body is partially circular and has a diameter of more than 55 mm, preferably more than 100 mm, particularly preferably more than 250 mm, and most preferably more than 400 mm.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the retaining ring is made of metal, preferably of tempered steel or spring steel. However, embodiments in which the retaining ring is made of plastic are also conceivable. In a preferred embodiment, however, the retaining ring is not made of plastic.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the retaining ring according to the invention is used in wind turbines, trucks, agricultural machinery and construction vehicles, or industrial trucks or conveyor belts.

[0050] The shaft according to the invention has a circumferential groove and a retaining ring according to the invention arranged in the groove. The term "shaft" also includes an axle in the context of this description of the invention.

[0051] The component according to the invention has a bore and a groove running around the bore as well as a retaining ring according to the invention arranged in the groove.

[0052] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely illustrates embodiments of the invention. Fig. 1 a plan view of a retaining ring according to the invention according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a plan view of a retaining ring according to the invention according to a second embodiment; Fig. 3 a plan view of a retaining ring according to the invention according to a third embodiment; Fig. 4 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 is a plan view of a sixth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 a plan view of a seventh embodiment of the invention and Fig. 8 is a plan view of an eighth embodiment of the invention.

[0053] The Fig. The retaining rings 1 shown in Figures 1 to 8 each have a base body 2. The base body 2 is annular except for an opening 3 interrupting it. The opening 3 interrupting the annular shape is bounded on a first side by an end face 4 of a first end 5 of the base body and on a second side, opposite the first side, by an end face 6 of a second end 7 of the base body 2.

[0054] In the embodiments according to Fig. 1 to 4 and Fig. 6 to 8, a mounting hole 8 is provided in the first end 5 of the base body 2. A mounting hole 9 is also provided in the second end 7 of the base body 2.

[0055] In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, the base body 2 has four pockets 10. In the embodiment of the Fig. 2, the base body 2 has sixteen pockets 10. In the embodiment according to Fig. 3, the base body 2 has four pockets. In the embodiment of the Fig. 4, the base body 2 has six pockets and two open pockets 11. In the embodiment according to Fig. 5, the base body 2 has eight pockets 10. In the embodiment according to Fig. 6, the base body 2 has two pockets 10. In the embodiment according to Fig. 7, the base body 2 has three pockets 10. In the embodiment according to Fig. 8, the base body 2 has six pockets 10.

[0056] The retaining rings 1 according to the invention according to the embodiments of the Fig. 1 to 8 are mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane 12 running centrally through the opening 3.

[0057] The pockets 10 in the embodiments according to the Fig. 1 to 7 are designed as an arcuate pocket 10. The respective pocket 10 has a first pocket end 17 and a second pocket end 18 opposite the first pocket end 17 in the circumferential direction. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, the first pocket end 17 and the second pocket end 18 are formed by a boundary surface which extends in a radially extending plane. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the first pocket end 17 and the second pocket end 18 are semicircular.

[0058] In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, two pockets 10 are arranged in the range between 90° and 270° when the center of the opening 3 is taken as the 0° position. Furthermore, one pocket 10 is arranged in the range between 10° and 90° and one pocket 10 is arranged in the range between 350° and 270° when the center of the opening 3 is taken as the 0° position. No pockets are arranged in the 180° position.

[0059] In the design of the Fig. 2, the pockets 10 are regularly distributed over the circumference of the base body 2. The angle • between a line 19 running radially and through the center of a first pocket 10 • and a line 19 running radially and through the center of a pocket 10 adjacent to the first pocket 10 is the same for each pairing of adjacent pockets 10 in the base body 2.

[0060] In the embodiments of the Fig. 1 to 8, all existing pockets 10 are the same in size and shape.

[0061] The base body 2 has an inner edge 13 and an outer edge 14. The base body 2 has a center point M.

[0062] In the Fig. 1 to 7, the respective pockets 10 of the base body 2 have an inner edge 15 that delimits the respective pocket 10 on the side closer to the center point M. The inner edge 15 is arcuate and runs in an arc around the center point M of the annular base body 2. Furthermore, the respective pocket 10 of the base body has an outer edge 16 that delimits the respective pocket 10 on the side farther from the center point M. The outer edge 16 runs in an arc around the center point M of the annular base body 2.

[0063] The Fig. 5 shows an embodiment in which the end face of the first end lies only partially in a plane and has a semicircular recess in the center, which is provided instead of a mounting hole, and the end face of the second end lies only partially in a plane and has a semicircular recess in the center, which is provided instead of a mounting hole.

[0064] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment in which the first end and the second end are designed as so-called tabs or as so-called ears, thus as a projection to the remaining area of ​​the base body.

[0065] In the embodiment according to Fig. 7, a pocket 10 is arranged in the range between 125° and 235° when the center of the opening 3 is taken as the 0° position. Furthermore, there are a pocket 10 arranged in the range between 10° and 90° and a pocket 10 arranged in the range between 350° and 270° when the center of the opening 3 is taken as the 0° position.

[0066] Fig. 8 shows an embodiment in which the six pockets 10 are circular.

[0067] The base body 2 is in the embodiments of the Fig. 1 to 8 are rectangular in cross-section. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 4,183,280 [0004, 0005, 0028] EP 0 019 361 A1 [0004, 0005, 0028]

Claims

[1] Retaining ring (1) with a base body (2) which is annular except for an opening (3) interrupting it, wherein • the opening (3) interrupting the ring shape is delimited on a first side by an end face (4) of a first end (5) of the base body (2) and on a second side opposite the first side by an end face (6) of a second end (7) of the base body (2) and • a mounting hole (8) is provided in the first end (5) and a mounting hole (9) is provided in the second end (7), characterized by that at least one closed pocket (10) is provided in the base body (2). [2] Retaining ring (1) with a base body (2) which is annular except for an opening (3) interrupting it, wherein • the opening (3) interrupting the ring shape is delimited on a first side by an end face (4) of a first end (5) of the base body (2) and on a second side opposite the first side by an end face (6) of a second end (7) of the base body (2) and • no mounting hole (8) is provided in the first end (5) and / or no mounting hole (9) is provided in the second end (7), characterized by that at least one closed pocket (10) is provided in the base body (2). [3] Retaining ring (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that at least two closed pockets (10) are provided in the base body (2). [4] Retaining ring according to claim 3, characterized by that the retaining ring (1) is designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane (12) running centrally through the opening (3). [5] Retaining ring (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the closed pocket (10) is curved. [6] Retaining ring (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the total area of ​​the closed pockets (10), which corresponds to the area of ​​the existing closed pocket (10), if only one closed pocket (10) is present, or to the sum of the areas of the existing closed pockets (10), corresponds to at least 10% of the total area of ​​the base body (2), wherein the total area of ​​the base body (2) corresponds to the area which is delimited by the outer contour of the base body (2). [7] Retaining ring (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that a closed pocket (10) is arranged in the range between 125° and 235° when the center of the opening (3) is taken as the 0° position. [8] Retaining ring (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat a closed pocket (10) is arranged in the range between 10° and 90° and / or a closed pocket (10) is arranged in the range between 350° and 270° when the center of the opening (3) is taken as the 0° position. [9] Retaining ring (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that several, particularly preferably the majority, particularly preferably all existing closed pockets (10) have the same size and / or the same shape. [10] Shaft with a circumferential groove and a retaining ring arranged in the groove according to one of claims 1 to 9. [11] Component with a bore and a groove running around the bore and a retaining ring arranged in the groove according to one of claims 1 to 9. [12] Use of a retaining ring according to one of claims 1 to 9 for arrangement in a circumferential groove of a shaft or for arrangement in a circumferential groove which is formed in a bore of a component.

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